WHAT: As part of the 2009 Catholic Schools Week celebration, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless St. Francis of Assisi Parish School's new Early Learning Center in Norristown, Montgomery County. The Early Learning Center offers early childhood education for children between six months and four years, and includes bilingual education.

Students, teachers and staff from St. Francis of Assisi Parish School will participate in the blessing ceremony, which includes prayers at the building entrance and the sprinkling of holy water in the building's halls and classrooms. To thank Cardinal Rigali for blessing the new building, St. Francis of Assisi students will present him with a spiritual bouquet-an offering of prayers, sacrifices and devotional acts.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
1:30 p.m. - Prayer service at St. Francis Assisi Church
1:45 p.m. - Blessing ceremony begins at Early Learning Center

WHERE: St. Francis of Assisi Early Learning Center
636 Hamilton Street
Norristown, PA 19401 (Montgomery County)

WHO:

- Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia
- Reverend Vincent F. Welsh, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish
- Mrs. Constance DiBonaventure, Principal, St. Francis of Assisi Parish School
- Erica Gonzalez, Director, St. Francis Early Learning Center

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747